Foldable bicycle computer

ABSTRACT

A bicycle computer includes a base member structured to mount to a structural member of a bicycle. A cover having an inner surface is swingably coupled to the base so that the inner surface may be moved from a closed position where the inner surface faces the base member to an open position where the inner surface may be viewed or accessed by a user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/896,306, filedJun. 28, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,788 entitled Foldable BicycleComputer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to bicycle computers and, moreparticularly, to a bicycle computer with a foldable display.

Bicycle computers often are used to display various operating parameterssuch as speed, cadence, distance traveled, heart rate, etc. The typicalbicycle computer includes a base member mounted to the bicyclehandlebar. A keypad for entering data and a display for displaying thedesired parameters are usually mounted on the base member in an upwardfacing direction so that the keypad may be easily manipulated and thedisplay may be easily viewed during riding. A wheel rotation sensorand/or a crank arm rotation sensor are mounted on one of the wheels andon one of the crank arms, respectively, for providing rotation data to acentral processing unit (CPU) located in the base member. The wheel andcrank arm sensors communicate with the CPU either through a wire orthrough a wireless transmission means.

Although the keypad and display are positioned for ease of use by therider, the configuration exposes the keypad and display to hot sun,rain, dust, mud, wind, etc. Since the computer is electrically operated,there is a great risk that the electronic components may be damaged fromheat, moisture, flying objects or some other element. While some stepscan be made to make the computer more resistant to the elements, such assealing the openings to make the computer more water resistant, suchmeasures are not always effective since the bicycle and computer oftenare traveling through the wind and rain at a high speed, and the windpressure often causes the water to penetrate the computer anyway.Furthermore, such measures do not protect the computer from impactdamage caused by flying objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a foldable bicycle computer whichallows the display and/or data input devices to be protected from theelements while allowing ease of use by the rider. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, a bicycle computer includes a base memberstructured to mount to a structural member of a bicycle. A cover havinga first surface is swingably coupled to the base member so that thefirst surface may be moved from a closed position where the firstsurface faces the base member to an open position where the firstsurface may be viewed by the rider. In a more specific embodiment, adata input unit and a display may be operatively associated with atleast one of the base member and the cover for inputting data into thebicycle computer and viewing operational parameters of the bicycle oruser. The cover protects the data input unit and/or the display from theelements when the cover is closed.

Data input units and displays may be distributed between the base memberand the cover in many different ways as desired. If a display is locatedon the base member, then the cover may include a transparent section forviewing the display when the cover is in the closed position. Tofacilitate use by the rider, the data input unit may include one or moredata entry members disposed on the base member and one or more dataentry members disposed on the cover. In an even more specificembodiment, the cover includes a second surface opposite the firstsurface. In this embodiment, an inner display may form a portion of thefirst surface, and an outer display may form a portion of the secondsurface. Thus, the inner display may be viewed when the cover is in theopened position, and the outer display may be viewed when the cover isin the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a foldablebicycle computer according to the present invention with the cover inthe closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle computer shown in FIG. 1with the cover in the open position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of afoldable bicycle computer according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the bicycle computer shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of afoldable bicycle computer according to the present invention with thecover in the open position;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the bicycle computer shown in FIG.5 with the cover in the closed position;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of afoldable bicycle computer according to the present invention with thecover in the open position;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the bicycle computer shown in FIG.5 with the cover in the closed position;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of afoldable bicycle computer according to the present invention with thecover in the open position;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the bicycle computer shown in FIG.9 with the cover in the closed position; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of representative electronic componentsincluded in the various embodiments of a bicycle computer according tothe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a particular embodiment of afoldable bicycle computer 10 according to the present invention.Computer 10 includes a base member 14 and a cover 18 swingably mountedto base member 14 through a hinge 17. Base member 14 includes a mountingportion 15 having a substantially cylindrical mounting hole 16 formounting computer 10 to a handlebar 19. In this embodiment, a brakelever 22 is pivotably mounted to base member 14 through a pivot shaft(not shown) for controlling a brake cable 30, and a twist-grip 34 forcontrolling a transmission cable 38 through a shift control devicemounted within base member 14 extends from a side of base member 14. Theshift control device may be constructed in accordance with the teachingsof copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/854,520 filed May 12,1997 entitled “Bicycle Shift Control Device” by Takuro Yamane andassigned to Shimano, Inc. That application is incorporated herein byreference. In this embodiment, a plurality of data input elements 41forming a keypad 42 are disposed in a surface 46 of base member 14 forentering data into the bicycle computer. Keypad 42 may comprise aplurality of push buttons, membrane switches, or some other computerinput elements.

Cover 18 is formed as a generally plate-shaped member, and it includesan inner surface 50 and an outer surface 54. Inner surface 50 facessurface 46 on base member 14 when cover 18 is in the closed positionshown in FIG. 1 so that surface 54 may be viewed or accessed by therider. Inner surface 50 may be viewed or accessed by the rider whencover 18 is in the open position shown in FIG. 2. An inner display 58such as a conventional LCD display for displaying computer generateddata such as speed, distance traveled, time, gear, cadence, elapsedtime, etc. forms a part of inner surface 50. An outer display 62 such asa conventional LCD display for displaying computer generated data suchas the current gear forms a part of outer surface 54. Additionally, datainput elements 66 forming a keypad 67 are disposed on outer surface 54for entering data into the bicycle computer. Thus, in this embodiment,the rider may observe cycling information from outer display 62 andenter data into the bicycle computer when cover 18 is in the closedposition. If desired, one of the data input elements 66 in keypad 67 mayinstead be a latch control device for controlling a latch 70 that keepscover 18 secured to base member 14.

It should be apparent that cover 18 protects inner display 58 and keypad42 from adverse conditions when cover 18 is in the closed position.Furthermore, since outer display 62 and keypad 67 face the rear of thebicycle when cover 18 is in the closed position, display 62 and keypad67 are significantly protected from moisture impinging upon the computerfrom the front when the bicycle is being ridden in rainy weather.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are rear and front perspective views, respectively, of analternative embodiment of a bicycle computer 100 according to thepresent invention. Electronically, computer 100 is substantially thesame as computer 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except there is no outerdisplay or corresponding data input elements in this embodiment. Theprimary difference between the two embodiments is in the construction ofbase member 104. In this embodiment, there are no control elements suchas brake levers or shifting devices associated with base member 104.Instead, base member 104 is structured to substantially surround amiddle portion of a handlebar 110 as well as a forwardly extendingportion of a handlebar stem 114. Because of this centrally locatedposition, base member 104 may include a headlight 132 that faces in theforward direction. A plurality of data input elements forming a keypad120 are disposed on a vertically facing surface 124 of base member 104,and a display 130 forms part of an inner surface 134 of a cover 138 thatis swingably connected to base member 104 through a hinge (not shown).Inner surface 134 of cover 138 faces surface 124 of base member 104 whencover 138 is in the closed position, whereas display 130 may be viewedby the rider when cover 138 is in the open position. If desired, datainput elements and/or latch control switches 140 may be formed on alateral surface of base member 104 as long as the elements and/orswitches are not harmed by such positioning.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of another embodiment of a foldablebicycle computer 200 according to the present invention. Computer 200may be formed as part of a brake and/or shifting device like computer 10shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or computer 200 may be formed separately likecomputer 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Computer 200 includes a base member 214 and a cover 218 swingablymounted to base member 214 through a hinge 217. Base member 214 includesa mounting portion 215 having a substantially cylindrical mounting hole216 for mounting computer 200 to a handlebar 219. In this embodiment, aplurality of data input elements 241 forming a keypad 242 are disposedin a surface 246 of base member 214 for entering data into the bicyclecomputer. Additionally, a display 258 for displaying computer generateddata forms a part of surface 246.

Cover 218 is formed as a generally plate-shaped member, and it includesan inner surface 250, an outer surface 254, and a transparent portion265 in the form of an opening or transparent window. Inner surface 250faces surface 246 on base member 214 when cover 218 is in the closedposition shown in FIG. 6 so that display 258 may be viewed throughtransparent portion 265 when cover 218 is in the closed position. Ifdesired, data input elements 261 forming a keypad 266 may be disposed onouter surface 254 for entering data into the bicycle computer. Thus, inthis embodiment, the rider may observe cycling information through cover218 and enter data into the bicycle computer when cover 218 is in theclosed position. If desired, one of the data input elements 261 inkeypad 266 may instead be a latch control device for controlling a latch270 that keeps cover 218 secured to base member 214.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of another embodiment of a foldablebicycle computer 300 according to the present invention. Computer 300may be formed as part of a brake and/or shifting device like computer 10shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or computer 300 may be formed separately likecomputer 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Computer 300 includes a base member 314 and a cover 318 swingablymounted to base member 314 through a hinge 317. Base member 314 includesa mounting portion 315 having a substantially cylindrical mounting hole316 for, mounting computer 300 to a handlebar 319. In this embodiment, aplurality of data input elements 341 forming a keypad 342 are disposedin a surface 346 of base member 314 for entering data into the bicyclecomputer. Additionally, a display 358 for displaying computer generateddata forms a part of surface 346.

Cover 318 is formed as a generally plate-shaped member, and it includesan inner surface 350 and an outer surface 354. Inner surface 350 facessurface 346 on base member 314 when cover 318 is in the closed positionshown in FIG. 8 so that surface 354 may be viewed or accessed by therider. In this embodiment, a plurality of data input elements 351forming a keypad 352 are disposed in surface 350 of cover 318 forentering data into the bicycle computer. Keypad 352 may be accessed bythe rider when cover 318 is in the open position shown in FIG. 7. Ifdesired, an outer display 362 may form a part of outer surface 354.Additionally, a plurality of data input elements 365 forming a keypad366 may be disposed on outer surface 354 for entering data into thebicycle computer. If desired, one of the data input elements 365 inkeypad 366 may instead be a latch control device for controlling a latch370 that keeps cover 318 secured to base member 314.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of another embodiment of a foldablebicycle computer 400 according to the present invention. Computer 400may be formed as part of a brake and/or shifting device like computer 10shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or computer 400 may be formed separately likecomputer 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Computer 400 includes a base member 414 and a cover 418 swingablymounted to base member 414 through a hinge 417. Base member 414 includesa mounting portion 415 having a substantially cylindrical mounting hole416 for mounting computer 400 to a handlebar 419. In this embodiment, aplurality of data input elements 441 forming a keypad 442 are disposedin a surface 446 of base member 414 for entering data into the bicyclecomputer. Additionally, a display 458 for displaying computer generateddata forms a part of surface 446.

Cover 418 is formed as a generally plate-shaped member, and it includesan inner surface 450 and an outer surface 454. Inner surface 450 facessurface 446 on base member 414 when cover 418 is in the closed positionshown in FIG. 10 so that surface 454 may be viewed or accessed by therider. In this embodiment, a display 468 for displaying computergenerated data forms a part of surface 450 of cover 418. Display 468 maybe viewed by the rider when cover 418 is in the open position shown inFIG. 9. If desired, an outer display 462 may form a part of outersurface 454. Additionally, a plurality of data input elements 465forming a keypad 466 may be disposed on outer surface 454 for enteringdata into the bicycle computer. If desired, one of the data inputelements 465 in keypad 466 may instead be a latch control device forcontrolling a latch 470 that keeps cover 418 secured to base member 414.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of representative electronic componentsincluded in the various embodiments of a bicycle computer such ascomputers 10, 100, 200, 300 and 400 according to the present invention.As shown in FIG. 11, a central processing unit (CPU) 500 disposed inbase member 14, 104, 214, 314 or 414 receives input data from an inputcontrol unit 504 through a communication path 508 and provides outputdata to an output control unit 512 through a communication path 516.Input control unit 504 receives input data from a wheel sensor 520, acrank sensor 524, keypads 42, 120, 140, 242, 342, 442 and keypads 67,266, 352, 366, 466 through communication paths 528, 532, 536 and 538,respectively, and together these components form the main data inputunit for the computer. Output control unit 512 communicates output datato displays 58, 130, 468, displays 62, 362, 462, and displays 258, 358,458 through communication paths 542, 546 and 548, respectively. Thecomponents and their programming are well known.

While the above is a description of various embodiments of the presentinvention, further modifications may be employed without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the datainput elements and displays may be distributed between the base memberand the cover in any desired manner. Of course, data shown by thedisplays are not limited to that described for that display, and othertypes of data, such as heart rate, may be shown as well. CPU 200, inputcontrol unit 204 and output control unit 212 may be located in cover 18,or the components may be distributed between base member 14 and cover18. Communication paths 228 and 232 in FIG. 11 (and any othercommunication path) may be formed with wires or through wirelesstransmission elements. Thus, the scope of the invention should not belimited by the specific structures disclosed. Instead, the true scope ofthe invention should be determined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle computer comprising: a base memberstructured to mount to a structural member of a bicycle; a first displayforming part of a surface of the base member for displayingcomputer-generated data to the user; a cover having a first surface;wherein the cover is swingably coupled to the base member so that thefirst surface may be moved from a closed position where the firstsurface faces the base member to an open position where the firstsurface may be viewed by a user; and wherein the cover includes atransparent portion for viewing the first display when the cover is inthe closed position.
 2. The bicycle computer according to claim 1further comprising a data input unit operatively associated with atleast one of the base member and the cover for inputting data into thebicycle computer.
 3. The bicycle computer according to claim 2 whereinthe data input unit includes a first data entry member disposed on thebase member.
 4. The bicycle computer according to claim 2 wherein thedata input unit includes a first data entry member disposed on thecover.
 5. The bicycle computer according to claim 2 wherein the datainput unit includes: a first data entry member disposed on the basemember; and a second data entry member disposed on the cover.